Do I have Social Phobia?
Many people are a little bit shy or unconfident amongst new people, there’s nothing wrong with that. For some people however shyness and worry can take over and become very debilitating. This is social phobia.
They find themselves worrying that they are the centre of attention, that everyone is staring at them and watching what they are doing. They may find it difficult or impossible to talk to colleagues or shop assistants, to go to busy places like swimming pools and restaurants, and to make friends and lasting relationships. Confronting people such as an unfair boss or belligerent traffic warden may be out of the question.
For some these feelings of social phobia culminate in a panic attack, for others there is just a lasting sense of uneasiness. In extreme cases it can lead to depression but doesn’t always by any means. If you think this could be you and that you have social phobia you should speak to your doctor and consider tackling it using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. There will probably be a local support group and there are also some books worth reading. Also, check out the new Social Phobia section.
